Energy Statements

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Energy Statements for Planning Applications (UK Nationwide)

Planning authorities across the UK increasingly require Energy Statements for planning applications to assess sustainability compliance before granting approval.

Without a compliant Energy Statement, councils may delay validation or request additional information. Therefore, addressing energy strategy at the early design stage reduces risk and protects your project timeline.

At Assessment Hive, we prepare technically robust Energy Statements that align directly with planning policy and current Building Regulations. Because we specialise in energy modelling, our reports provide measurable, evidence-led conclusions rather than generic sustainability commentary.

Whether you are developing a single dwelling, a multi-unit residential scheme or a commercial building, our Energy Statements strengthen your planning submission and improve approval confidence.

🔎 What Are Energy Statements for Planning Applications?

An Energy Statement is a structured technical report submitted with a planning application. It demonstrates how a development will:

Reduce energy demand
Lower carbon emissions
Improve building fabric performance
Integrate renewable technologies
Comply with local planning energy policy

Most councils require Energy Statements to confirm compliance with sustainability targets and Approved Document L. Consequently, the report must contain formal modelling and policy alignment.

Rather than describing intentions, the Energy Statement presents calculated results supported by recognised methodologies.

📋 When Are Energy Statements Required?

Local requirements vary; however, councils commonly request Energy Statements for planning applications involving:

New build residential developments
Apartment blocks
Commercial premises
Mixed-use schemes
Major refurbishments
Change of use projects

In London and other urban authorities, planning policy sets stricter carbon reduction targets. As a result, medium and large schemes almost always require detailed modelling.

If uncertainty exists, reviewing the local validation checklist early helps avoid delays. We regularly assess requirements at pre-application stage to confirm obligations quickly.

🧮 What Does an Energy Statement Include?

A compliant Energy Statement combines technical modelling with a clear carbon reduction strategy. Instead of relying on general environmental statements, it presents data-driven evidence.

Our Energy Statements for planning applications typically include the following elements.

1️⃣ Planning Policy Review

We begin by reviewing local and national planning policies. Next, we structure the report so each policy requirement is addressed directly.

This clear alignment enables planning officers to assess compliance efficiently.

2️⃣ SAP or SBEM Energy Modelling

Residential developments require SAP Calculations to demonstrate:

Dwelling Emission Rate (DER)
Target Emission Rate (TER)
Fabric Energy Efficiency

Commercial buildings require SBEM Calculations, which calculate energy demand and carbon emissions.

Because modelling underpins the entire Energy Statement, we align inputs carefully with architectural drawings and system specifications. This approach ensures accuracy and consistency.

3️⃣ Carbon Reduction Strategy

Once baseline emissions are established, we identify practical measures to reduce carbon output. Typically, these include:

Fabric-first design improvements
Enhanced insulation performance
Efficient heating systems
Renewable technologies such as solar PV
Low-carbon systems including heat pumps

Importantly, we tailor each strategy to local planning policy requirements. Therefore, recommendations remain realistic and compliant.

4️⃣ Overheating Assessment (Where Required)

Many residential developments now require Overheating Assessments (Part O / TM59). Where applicable, we integrate overheating analysis directly into the Energy Statement.

By incorporating this assessment early, we maintain technical consistency and reduce the likelihood of planning queries.

5️⃣ Air Tightness Strategy

Airtightness significantly influences energy performance. Accordingly, we include predicted air permeability targets that align with future Air Tightness Testing.

This proactive approach ensures continuity between planning approval and Building Regulations compliance.

6️⃣ Clear Compliance Summary

To conclude, we provide a structured compliance summary that confirms how the development satisfies planning energy policy.

Because planning officers review numerous reports, clarity and precision remain essential.

🏘️ Energy Statements for Different Development Types

Every scheme presents different challenges. Consequently, we tailor each Energy Statement to the specific development.

Residential Developments

For houses and apartment schemes, we integrate SAP modelling, carbon projections and overheating analysis where required. As a result, the Energy Statement supports both planning approval and future regulatory compliance.

Commercial Developments

Offices, retail units and industrial buildings require SBEM modelling alongside energy demand analysis. In addition, we develop carbon reduction strategies that align with policy thresholds.

Since commercial systems often involve complex services, accurate modelling becomes critical.

SBEM modelling often supports Energy Statements by providing detailed energy performance data. To understand how this works in practice, read our guide SBEM for Planning Applications in London.

Mixed-Use Schemes

Mixed-use projects require coordinated modelling across residential and commercial elements. Therefore, we combine SAP and SBEM assessments into a single cohesive Energy Statement.

This integrated approach keeps documentation streamlined and technically aligned.

🔄 Our Energy Statement Process

We follow a clear and structured workflow to deliver Energy Statements for planning applications across the UK.

Project Review
You provide architectural drawings and planning policy details.

Energy Modelling
We complete SAP or SBEM calculations depending on development type.

Strategy Development
We evaluate carbon reduction options and refine assumptions.

Report Preparation
We produce a policy-aligned Energy Statement supported by clear modelling outputs.

Planning Support
If planning officers raise queries, we respond promptly and provide clarification.

Because we operate remotely, we deliver consistent service across the UK without geographic limitation.

💷 How Much Do Energy Statements Cost?

Project scale and complexity determine pricing. Key factors include:

Development size
Residential or commercial use
Modelling requirements
Overheating obligations
Renewable energy integration

Smaller residential schemes require limited modelling. Conversely, larger mixed-use developments demand more detailed analysis.

After reviewing your drawings, we provide a fixed and transparent quotation.

Energy Statement costs vary depending on project scale, modelling complexity and local planning requirements. While smaller residential schemes typically require less analysis, larger or mixed-use developments demand more detailed modelling and policy reporting.

If you would like a more detailed breakdown of pricing factors and what influences fees, read our guide on Energy Statement Cost UK.

🌆 Energy Statements in London

Although we provide Energy Statements nationwide, developments in London require a more detailed and policy-driven approach.

Under the London Plan, boroughs apply stricter carbon reduction targets and enforce the “Be Lean, Be Clean, Be Green” energy hierarchy. Consequently, most residential and commercial schemes in London require structured SAP or SBEM modelling, overheating analysis and, in some cases, carbon offset calculations.

Because London planning authorities scrutinise sustainability submissions closely, a generic UK Energy Statement may not satisfy borough requirements.

If your development is located within Greater London, visit our dedicated Energy Statements London page to understand London Plan compliance requirements in detail. London developments must follow specific energy policies under the London Plan. To understand these requirements in detail, read our London Plan Energy Requirements Explained (Developer Guide).

🌍 Nationwide Energy Statement Services

We prepare Energy Statements for planning applications in:

London
Manchester
Birmingham
Bristol
Cambridge
Nationwide

Because our service relies on drawings and modelling rather than site attendance, location does not affect turnaround or quality.

🏆 Why Choose Assessment Hive?

Developers and architects select Assessment Hive for several reasons. Firstly, we integrate SAP and SBEM expertise in-house. Secondly, we coordinate overheating and airtightness strategy within the same workflow. Additionally, we provide fast turnaround times and direct assessor communication.

Unlike general planning consultants, we focus exclusively on energy compliance. Therefore, each Energy Statement reflects technical precision and policy alignment.

🚀 Get Your Energy Statement Started Today

If your planning application requires an Energy Statement, early coordination improves approval confidence and reduces delays.

Send your drawings today to receive a clear quotation and expert guidance.

Fast turnaround
Competitive pricing
Remote, nationwide service

Call us on 020 7183 3240
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